MSC in the US
Certified fisheries
Eight marine fisheries have been certified along the west coast of the United States since 2000. The Alaska salmon fishery, containing five species, was the first US fishery to be certified in 2000 under the MSC program. In 2005, the Alaska pollock fishery was certified, followed by North Pacific halibut, North Pacific sablefish, Pacific cod, Oregon pink shrimp, and two Pacific albacore tuna fisheries, which received MSC certification in 2007. Many fisheries have entered full assessment in anticipation of certification, including Pacific whiting, Dungeness crab, and Pacific cod and flatfish stocks in Alaskan waters. Use our Track a Fishery page to find US fisheries on the MSC map.
Supply chain
A robust network of companies form an MSC-certified Chain of Custody network across the US. Many of these companies are among the world’s leading suppliers of seafood to the global marketplace. Much of the fish they process, package and distribute comes from US fisheries, including the large Alaska pollock and salmon fisheries. MSC-certified processors also import fish from outside the US to process into seafood products for American and international markets. There are both primary and secondary processors in the US that have completed MSC Chain of Custody certification. This adds an important element of traceability to the fish they procure from MSC certified fisheries.
Retail and brands
MSC-labelled products are available in a large number of stores in the US. Many well known national brands of seafood and major private label products carry the MSC eco label. These products are available as fresh fish selections, frozen seafood, packaged meals and smoked and canned seafood. In addition to retail outlets, US consumers can increasingly access MSC-labelled, certified sustainable seafood through online food retailers. Three of the top US retail chains are engaged with MSC including Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, who has committed to 100 percent MSC-certified seafood in its stores by the year 2011.
Foodservice and restaurants
With an established network of MSC Chain of Custody-certified seafood processors and distributors located throughout most major US markets, the MSC is beginning to build engagement by the foodservice and restaurant sectors. One of America’s largest broadline foodservice companies has added MSC certified seafood to its product line and has indicated it will seek MSC Chain of Custody certification, which will create a crucial link in the certified supply chain for thousands of restaurant and food service operations in the US. Several well known major restaurant chains have committed to source MSC certified fish for many of their most popular seafood menu items.
Other categories
Pet food and fish oil capsules are also available in the US.
Find out how your company can get involved in the MSC program.
